Road Trip For Good: The 7 Greatest Things To Do With Your Dog In Ohio

This article is part of our Road Trip for Good series with the incredible humans behind the popular 2 Traveling Dogs! Each week they will share their adventure in a new state, and their pups, Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake, will pick their favorite “Marked Territories.” Each state will highlight one special rescue organization that is doing fantastic work to help the dog community. For more detailed coverage, be sure to visit 2TravelingDogs.com!”

Ohio is a state that wants you to visit. Life is a changing journey, and Ohio wants you to find yours here. A state filled with adventure and history just waiting to be explored, take some time to venture out with your dog. Before starting on a 2 Traveling Dogs approved tour, make your first stop at unique, exciting, Noah’s Lost Ark.

Some days are so special that you will remember them the rest of your life. After our visit to Noah’s Lost Ark in Berlin Center, Ohio, we realized that we just had the once of a lifetime experience. This is a sanctuary we feel everyone should visit and see firsthand. The wolves in their care were of definite interest to us as dog lovers, and we found out that they also had rescue dogs here as well!

Noah’s Lost Ark is a non-profit, 501 (C)(3) exotic animal rescue sanctuary. This is “where the forgotten are remembered.”

We started our morning at Noah’s Lost Ark by talking to the sanctuary’s selfless Director, Ellen Karnofel. Ellen’s bold determination to not only be in the company of the exotic animals like wolves in her care, but to make their lives enjoyable and meaningful, touched our hearts.

Noah’s Lost Ark is not a zoo, but a sanctuary. We asked Ellen how people can tell the difference between a zoo and a sanctuary. She explained that unlike a zoo, a sanctuary is a place that provides a permanent, safe home to unwanted and abused animals. A sanctuary like Ellen’s will never breed or sell animals. Instead, they allow them to live their lives in a peaceful and healthy way, in an environment of comfort and peace. Ellen’s animals certainly come first in her life, and when we saw how they looked at her with so much thankfulness and love, we knew this was a very special place.

Many may wonder like we did, how did these animals end up at Noah’s Lost Ark? It is shocking to imagine, but all of the animals here were at one time pets. With over 125 exotic animals, some of the animals were the results of owners no longer able to handle them physically or financially. They may have been confiscated from abuse cases or even rescued after being placed up for sale on the internet for $1.00. It is Noah’s Lost Ark’s belief that these animals deserve a second chance and that they do not deserve to suffer or die because they get “too large” or “too expensive” to care for.

As we are dog lovers, the wolves were one of the first on our list to gaze upon. Ellen told us how all of the wolves in this pack were slowly introduced to each other and the long period of time it took to do this. Certainly, this much work and dedication cannot be done by Ellen alone. Her dedicated and humble staff give of themselves day and night.

With many sick animals needing around the clock care, their work does not go unnoticed. We filmed the latest episode of “Stop Hounding Me” this week with Ellen and her staff, but changed it up a bit to “Stop Crying Wolf”.

Animal rescue is not a glamorous job. But being in the company of these majestic animals and the humans that give of themselves unselfishly inspired us. Ellen and her sanctuary has had hard times. It is financially draining to run a sanctuary like this. With no government funding, they are solely dependent on donations and admission fees in order to continue.

What they do for these animals should not go unnoticed, and it is our hope that people that can visit will go! A trip to Ohio would not be complete without a visit here. Check their website for updated visiting hours, and check their Facebook page for success stories. Find out how you can help by donating and even by sending an item on their wishlist like blankets, towels or cleaning supplies.

After you are inspired by Noah’s Lost Ark to keep making a difference for all animals, take your rescue dog on a tour through Ohio that is approved by Brickle and Digby!

Lanterman’s Mill in Youngstown is a unique, historic landmark. A visit here will truly allow you and your dog to step into the past. This is a mill that still produces cornmeal, buckwheat and flour, and is surrounded by Lanterman’s Falls. Walk with your dog through the covered bridge and hike the trails surrounding this landmark which was built in 1845 and restored in 1985. Please clean up after your leashed dog and remember to bring water. Check for updated visiting months and times.

Located in Stow, Bow Wow Beach offers a 7 1/2 acre fenced in dog park surrounding a five acre lake! With beaches, grass, sun and shade, this is THE place for dogs in Ohio. With such large size areas, you will never feel crowded. There is no charge for dogs or humans, so go here. Now.

Brandywine Falls located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a true, Ohio oasis. A combination of boardwalks and steps brings you into the waterfall’s gorge and lets you view the waterfall up close. Bring water on hot, summer days and check for updated schedules. Your dog will get to truly appreciate the beauty and peace Ohio has to offer.

After all of this exploring and hiking, you both deserve a break. Visitors with two legs or four are welcome at Sarah’s Vineyard located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is more than a vineyard and winery. This is Ohio in a glass filled with wonderful wine. Purchase a bottle and relax outside in their butterfly garden with your leashed dog. Gaze out at the vineyard and the 1800’s barn. Take a sip and appreciate how beautiful Ohio can be.

Ohio residents love their lakes. This state has a wide variety of lakes including their pride and joy, Lake Erie. Get your dog, pack a picnic for you both and head to one of Ohio’s beautiful lakes. Chippewa Lake and Burr Oak Lake are other favorites, but you definitely cannot chose wrong.

Pets are welcomed at all 56 of Ohio’s state campgrounds! Camping is truly an Ohio activity best enjoyed with your dog. Pick you favorite area and park, pack up your rv, or pitch a tent. If cabins are more your style, there are plenty of Ohio state campgrounds that offer those as well.

Ohio loves chili. With over 180 chili parlors in the state, this is a treat worth making for your dog. Cincinnati Chili is served over spaghetti and has many unique spices added. This is a dog friendly version that will allow you to always remember the time you spent together in Ohio.

Be sure to check 2 Traveling Dog’s pupcoming schedule to see if Brickle and Digby will be in your neighborhood!